Riverside, California is the birthplace of California's citrus industry, home to the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa—America’s largest Mission Revival building—and the original navel orange tree, still standing as a symbol of agricultural innovation that shaped the state's economy and identity.
Destinations
Travel Tips & Planning
General City Overview
Notable points about Riverside
- Riverside, California is home to the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, the largest Mission Revival-style building in the U.S., making it a uniquely immersive blend of architecture, art, and history.
- Unlike other Southern California cities, Riverside has a deep citrus heritage showcased in the California Citrus State Historic Park, celebrating the birthplace of the state’s citrus industry.
- Visit in late winter to early spring (February to April) when the citrus trees are blooming and local festivals like the Riverside Dickens Festival bring the city to life.
- Riverside is significantly more affordable than Los Angeles or San Diego, offering budget-conscious travelers a rich cultural experience without the high price tag.
- Experience Riverside's Tamale Festival or a walking tour through the Mission Inn District to soak in authentic Inland Empire traditions and local pride.
- Don’t miss trying the Inland Empire’s version of carne asada fries or visiting Tio’s Tacos—a folk art-packed eatery with quirky sculptures and bold Mexican flavors.
- Riverside is best explored by car, but the downtown area is walkable, with Metrolink connections to LA making day trips feasible without driving.
- Mount Rubidoux offers a scenic but under-the-radar hike with panoramic city views, especially magical at sunrise or during Easter sunrise services.
- Downtown Riverside is generally safe, but visitors should stay aware when exploring less busy areas at night; English is widely spoken, and locals are friendly and helpful.
- Watching the Festival of Lights in December at the Mission Inn—complete with millions of lights and live performances—is a magical, must-see moment for families and couples alike.
Summarized User Reviews
Riverside is a nice blend of urban and suburban with a laid-back vibe. You get a real sense of community here, and the food scene is underrated!
It’s okay. Not much going on for tourists, but locals seem to love the quiet and proximity to LA. The heat can be unbearable though.
The Riverside Plaza is a great place to hang out, and the historic district is worth a visit. Could use more entertainment options, though.
I expected more from the place. Some parts are beautiful, but the city feels a little forgotten compared to its neighbors like San Bernardino or Ontario.
I absolutely love Riverside's mix of culture, history, and college-town energy. The festivals and events around the university keep things interesting year-round.
Interactive Word Cloud for Riverside